Film Music: History, Theory, and Practice

Catalog description

This course provides an introduction to film music, exploring its rich history as an art form and its ongoing evolution as a dynamic practice. From improvisations in the silent film era to elaborate Hollywood orchestral scores and the electronic and experimental music of the past few decades, the diverse uses of film music remain indispensable to the cinematic experience. We will explore the emotional and psychological effects of scoring and sound design, the impact of technological advancements, and the collaborative relationships between composers, studios, directors, editors, and assistants. In addition to a comprehensive historical overview, special topics will include film music and memory, modernist world cinema, musical theatre, music and animation, films about music and musicians, and crossovers between the screen and the concert hall. The course will also feature guest lectures and provide opportunities for creative scoring assignments.